What Carbohydrates Can Canines Eat?

Dogs don’t need carbohydrates to maintain a healthy diet, but are carbs bad for dogs? Read on to find out which carbs dogs can and cannot eat.

Can Dogs Eat Quinoa

Yes, dogs can eat quinoa. Quinoa is actually found in some commercially made dog food. There are some concerns about the pesticides used in quinoa, but the trace levels of these chemicals are normally too small to cause any issues.

If you are going to cook your dog some quinoa, wash it first to remove any excess chemicals.

Some dogs may have trouble digesting quinoa, so if he suffers from digestive issues after eating quinoa don’t feed it to him again.

It’s best not to feed your dog quinoa that you’ve prepared for yourself, because while the quinoa itself is safe you may well have added spices, garlic, salt and other substances which are not safe for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Brown Rice

Yes, dogs can eat brown rice in moderation. As brown rice is high in antioxidants, it keeps you full for longer and can thus promote weight loss, and it helps stabilise blood sugar levels, it can be good for dogs just like it can be beneficial for people.

As with any new food, you should try feeding your dog a bit of brown rice to start with and see how the dog responds. Some dogs simply won’t like the taste of brown rice, in which case you may want to try a different grain.

Dogs do not need carbohydrates to survive and most of their food should be made up of meat. Therefore, rice should be a small part of your dog’s diet and should not be the main component.

Can Dogs Eat Black Beans

Yes, black beans are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K as well as protein and fibre. The black beans should be cooked, they should not be seasoned and they should not come be marinated in any sauce.

Black beans should not make up a huge part of your dog’s diet, but they’re a good addition to a meaty plate of dog food or they can be served as a small snack.

Can Dogs Eat Beans

It depends on the bean. Some beans can make a healthy addition to your pet’s diet (provided they are served in moderation and are not cooked with spices, herbs, onion, garlic or other flavours), but others are not good for your dog.

Black beans, butter beans, green beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, lentils and chickpeas are all safe for dogs in moderation. However, broad beans, baked beans and refried beans should not be fed to dogs.

Do not feed your dog raw beans and avoid canned beans where possible. Canned beans often contain sodium and preservatives which can have a negative effect on your dog’s health, while raw beans are bot difficult to digest and have the potential to contain toxins.

If you want to serve your dog some beans, it’s best to use dried beans that have been soaked overnight and cooked without seasoning.

As with any human food, beans should only make up a small part of a meat-centric dog diet.